Canadian universities have made strides towards hiring a diverse faculty. There are more women faculty of colour, there are indigenous scholars, queer scholars and scholars with disabilities. But a scan of “key” theorists and opinion leaders in many disciplines have much in common with the CEOs of the Fortune 500 – white and male. The […]

I am an associate professor in the Department of Educational Studies at University of British Columbia. My research and teaching focus on media education and the relationship between journalists and policymakers. I am committed to enlarging the circle of influence in education policy, especially that of young people. My teaching and research are in the areas […]

I did a keynote talk at the recent Worldviews Conference on Media and Higher Education in Toronto. Worldviews was organized by several organizations that have strong pro-equity stances. The goal of the conference was to have sessions that “are diverse, with the objective of maximizing the participatory nature of the event.” I was excited to […]

Why is Rupert Murdoch so interested in more technology in education to personalize learning? At the G8 in Paris last week, he says it is about the ‘failure of imagination’. To not radically change education he believes is an “abdication of responsibilities to future generations.” I say his interest in education is more complicated because […]

Pictures of mostly happy children provided good photo-ops for Harper during the recent election, but comments by Finance Minister Jim Flaherty foreshadow that the June 3 Throne speech may not bode well for the future. It may seem simple Grade 2 math but the Conservative government’s low tax plan will inevitably mean cuts to services for children in […]

The CBC radio documentary – Attawapiskat Education – which aired May 20 is a powerful story about a Attawapiskat teen activist and those honouring her memory. Shannen Koostachi fought for Attawapiskat First Nation to have a decent school free of mice and with basics like proper heating. Like many young people, her requests were dismissed […]